Speaking at the inaugural National Yash Chopra Memorial Award, the Talaash star told IANS: "I don't like to talk about Yash uncle in past tense. He is a living legend and will always be there in our hearts and lives.

"It has been a year since Yash uncle passed away, but the young generation will remember him through this award and his films."

Presenting Lata Mangeshkar with the award, Mukerji said the singer had "an emotional connect" with the director, having provided the playback for so many of his films.

In February the actress unveiled a statue of Yash Chopra at the UTV Walk of Stars.